Danielle Hunter, Vikings both getting what they want with new deal

The Minnesota Vikings and pass-rusher Danielle Hunter have reworked his contract, resulting in a win-win for the player and franchise. 

Quite literally at the start of training camp last year — albeit amid unforeseeable circumstances due to the pandemic — Minnesota Vikings star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter was off the field dealing with a neck injury. That same ailment, a herniated disc, ultimately required surgery and kept him off the field for the entire 2020 season.

While dealing with the injury, though, reports began to emerge that Hunter was unhappy with his current contract and wanted a new deal. There was even concern about a possible holdout. Conversely, Minnesota wanted their best pass-rusher on the roster to rejoin the team and help a defensive unit that underperformed last year.

As minicamps are underway or getting underway around the league, specifically with Minnesota though, that’s no longer a concern. On Monday, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Hunter and the Vikings had reached a new deal and that the defensive end will now report to camp:

Per the reports, Hunter will have $5.6 million as a signing bonus this year. Moreover, the Vikings will owe the pass-rusher $18 million that’s guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year in 2022. In essence, Minnesota pays Hunter more guaranteed money in 2021 and will have a decision to make regarding the future of the defensive end after this season as they can release him or owe him more money than he was initially slated to receive.

The Vikings and Danielle Hunter both get a good deal with the reworked contract

When on the field, Hunter has been a consistent force for Minnesota as he registered 14.5 sacks in both 2018 and 2019 in addition to racking up a combined 36 tackles for loss. His presence was sorely missed in 2020 as the Vikings defense was about as bad as its been under Mike Zimmer’s watch to this point.

Some of the issues defensively can be chalked up to a young, struggling secondary. But defensive backs benefit from strong pass rushes and that just wasn’t in the cards for Minnesota last season without Hunter on the field. By reworking this deal, that won’t be the case for the 2021 season, which should help all involved.

For Hunter, he also gets what he wants. Not only will he get more money this year and possibly next year if the Vikes retain him but he could have the opportunity to hit the market and get paid handsomely if the franchise chooses to move on. Essentially, this new deal works to the benefit of all involved.

With the storylines about in the NFC North this offseason, the Vikings have gone somewhat under the radar. But this is clearly a team good enough to make the playoffs and, with Hunter now back in the fold, one of their biggest concerns on defense is now gone. Thus, their case for being a postseason team only looks better now.